"Don't blink...Sonic is just that fast!"

I. Introduction

Ever since they released the Sonic Advance series, fans have been questioning Sega and/or Sonic Team, mainly because the Sonic Advance series didn't catch that shine or appeal that the Genesis series had/have among many people. While vastly different than the Genesis and Advance series, this game does deliver a lot for Sonic fans and people in general. This is why I am writing this review, to talk about the good and bad parts of this game from my perspective.

II. Story (7/10)

The story isn't exactly out of this world but it doesn't really need to be because as a Sonic game away from the 3D ones, this game doesn't really need a great story, just a simple one that keeps you playing. Which is exactly what it has.

It involves two characters: Sonic the Hedgehog and the new female protagonist, "Blaze the Cat". Both characters have different stories. The story mainly involves alternate dimensions, two Eggmans, and problems in the space-time continuum.

Overall, the story is decent, but don't expect anything like the stories in Sonic Adventure 2 or Sonic Next-Gen. Good thing is that this time they focused more on Gameplay rather then a deep serious storyline for a talking blue hedgehog. >_>

III. Gameplay (8/10)

Lets start with the stages. The stages in this game are big and pretty to be honest; nowhere near as repetitive as a lot of levels in the Advance series were (namely Sonic Advance 3). The stages also utilizes many 3D aspects as well as a certain DS feature. Speaking of which, these stages use the Dual Screen, so there are times you will be controlling Sonic on the top screen when out of nowhere he reaches a loop and enters the bottom screen. Just from that you can tell that these stages are big. Bad thing is that some people like exploration, which this game does not deliver; the main point of the game is to reach the goal as fast as possible (and maybe go to a special stage along the way). Another problem with the stages are the level designs themselves, this game relies a lot on the Tension Gauge introduced in it, so sometimes you might need to use a Speed/Fire Boost or else you might fall in a pit faster (ironically) or get hit by an enemy.

This game also features a bunch of new gameplay mechanics such the the Tension Gauge that can be filled up many ways and allows you to perform Super/Fire Boosts (the main "speed source" of the game) depending on your character. It also contains a Trick System (that allows you to perform simplistic tricks in the air or on rails to increase points and fill up the Tension Gauge), a ranking system (gives you a rank ranging from C-S depending on how well you did in the stage), new Special stages, and amazingly huge 3D bosses unlike anything a Sonic game has ever seen before. Overall, the gameplay is truly a new experience for everyone.

The controls in this game are really simplistic and easy to learn right away. Just hold right or left and jump when you need to. You will want to use a Speed/Fire Boost by pressing another button or just a traditional spin dash (which is utterly useless in this game). The Special Stages use the stylus in which you control Sonic with in the bottom screen, which is also very simplistic. The controls don't need much getting used to as you should know what to do the minute you start playing.

IV. Music/Sound (Music = (?/10) , Sound = (8/10) )

The music in this game varies among people, some people might like it, but others might hate it. The music is based on another title, "Jet Set Radio". The type of music this game delivers is unique for a Sonic game (and is very catchy), but at the same time does not fit the franchise in my opinion; others might feel differently though. The sound is great and loud for a handheld and the actual in-game voices give the gameplay some charm/life.

V. Graphics (8/10)

The graphics in this game are a mixture of 2D gameplay and 3D characters/backgrounds. These graphics are definitely new to the Sonic games, but great nonetheless. It really does add a great blend of 3D and 2D graphics into one big game. You honestly have to play for yourself to see how good these graphics really are for the DS.

VI. Replay Value (5/10)

To be honest, this game lacks any sort of unlockables. The only replay value there is after beating the game with both characters is collecting all the Chaos Emeralds. However, if you enjoy this game enough, you might want to challenge yourself by getting all S-Ranks (which do not unlock anything). Other then these two things, all that's left is replaying the stages over till you get bored and playing the multiplayer mode for the hell of it. Some might just play to beat the game, while others might play to complete it 100%. Replay Value depends on how much you actually enjoy this game.

VII. Conclusion

This game is great and will definitely not disappoint Sonic fans; so if you're a Sonic Fan, get it ASAP. If you just want a new game for your DS but can't think of one (and don't have this game already), try this game out. If you haven't enjoyed any previous side-scrolling Sonic game but have a DS, try renting this one and give it a chance. Either way, this game is worth it.

Overall: 8/10

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 02/07/07, Updated 03/19/07